Lord Auren smiled warmly.
"Ser Gregor, I've given you the man you asked for, Chiswick. But you'll have to show me a bit of good faith in return!"
Gregor replied curtly, "Speak, my lord."
"I want to open a Clegane noodle house in the five great ports." Lord Auren said with a grin.
"Lannisport in the West, White Harbor in the North, Seagard in the Riverlands, King's Landing, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms, and Oldtown in the Reach."
Lord Auren had a keen eye for business.
"Deal!" Gregor answered immediately, without hesitation. When it comes to making money, there's no time to waste.
The five largest port cities of the Seven Kingdoms not only have massive foot traffic but are also the densest population centers. Wealthy merchants, noble governors, princes, knights, and famed swordsmen come and go constantly. A noodle house no one has ever seen or tasted before, suddenly appearing in such places, would surely thrive.
"I do have one concern, my lord." Gregor admitted. "My reputation isn't exactly spotless. Using the Clegane name won't bother foreign merchants or nobles, but among the local aristocracy, I fear some might take offense. It could cause minor trouble."
For many nobles, reputation is everything, something to defend fiercely, even with a sword drawn. Yet Gregor said it so matter-of-factly, as if it were no big deal.
Nearby, Lord Gawen shifted slightly, uneasy.
In Westerling society, ancient noble lineage and honor mattered most. To protect their name, lords would sell land or titles just to maintain appearances. All weighed down by empty prestige.
But Gregor wore his shamelessness like a badge of pride. He wasn't embarrassed to admit his poor reputation, nor did he care about Lord Gawen's discomfort or Lord Auren's amusement.
Auren laughed openly, which made Lord Gawen flush with embarrassment.
"Ser Gregor." Auren said, "then why not use Jeyne Westerling's name? 'Jeyne's Noodle House', how does that sound? Heh heh!"
Gregor shook his head firmly. "No. We'll use your name, my lord, 'Lord Auren's Noodle House.'"
Auren was a man of subtlety and tact, secretly thrilled but outwardly modest and declining repeatedly. The Westerling family's ancient bloodline and honor were unmatched.
Gregor couldn't care less about the nobles' obsession with family honor and personal prestige, but he understood how much it meant to them.
The honor of knights and nobles was so sacred they swore by the Seven Gods, their oaths as binding as law, governing their conduct. Clearly, personal honor was no trivial matter in this world.
Since fame brings honor to the family and oneself, why not grant Lord Auren that honor?
Gregor continued, "Lord Auren, it's settled. We'll name the noodle house after you. The first will open in Lannisport. Once business is thriving and we've gained management experience, we'll use the profits to open a second branch, likely in King's Landing."
Lord Auren's joy was palpable. Having a noodle house bearing his name was a matter of personal and familial pride. He could already picture the day when his name would be renowned throughout the Seven Kingdoms.
After tasting Clegane noodles, Lord Auren was fully confident in this marvelous, never-before-seen product.
His friendly gesture toward Clegane was purposeful.
If Gregor Clegane was like Brynden Rivers, the "Thousand and One Eyes", who had a major life transformation in theology, then Gregor's awakening was one of intelligence and ingenuity. Who knew what wondrous and practical inventions he might come up with next?
Though Auren's captains had learned from Dunsen and Polliver that the noodle-making machine was crafted by a skilled smith, Auren did not believe that story. He suspected it was Gregor's own invention. After all, a "great demon" suddenly enlightened intellectually was not something easily accepted.
Oldtown's Citadel published new inventions every year, touching every aspect of life, from architecture to weapons, from city gate winches to siege engines, from astronomy to medicine, animal husbandry to farming. maesters devoted themselves to these fields.
But to use any new invention required a hefty fee. If the invention benefited the entire realm, the crown usually funded it for nationwide promotion. Sometimes a great noble would purchase exclusive rights and roll out the technology to profit across the realm.
Even if Gregor's sudden genius ended here, his status as Lord Tywin's son-in-law was real. While Lord Auren might never meet Cersei, Jaime, or Tyrion at court, why not maintain a close alliance with a powerful figure like Clegane?
Politically and commercially, it could only bring benefits.
The Lord had traded a condemned prisoner for the chance to cooperate with Gregor, and gained the honor of having a tavern named after himself, plus the favor of Gregor and Lady Jeyne. This was an outstanding deal.
The only person feeling awkward was Lord Gawen Westerling, quietly displeased that Gregor didn't use the Westerling family name. His displeasure was subtle, but Auren noticed. Still, what could be done? The humble exchanges between Auren and Gregor were mere politeness, not genuine refusal.
Gregor added, "The noodle house name is settled. But what about the noodles themselves? How about changing 'Clegane noodles' to 'Westerling noodles'? Father-in-law, what do you think?"
"I have no objection." Lord Gawen said, surprised but pleased. He didn't bother with formalities and agreed at once.
And so it was decided: the noodle house would be called Lord Auren's Noodle House, and the noodles would be named Westerling Noodles.
All were happy.
Lady Jeyne glanced at Gregor, and anyone still thinking him a crude brute would be insulting her own intelligence.
...
"Ser, before we go drink, can I see your noodle-making machine?"
"No." Gregor answered firmly.
"Uh... alright then, how about your wheat mill?"
"No."
"Okay, then can you bring the craftsman who made the noodle machine here? I'd really like to share a drink with him."
"Fine."
The craftsman was summoned. When Lord Auren saw him walk in, he was dumbfounded, unable to speak a word.
It was none other than Tobho Mott, King's Landing's most famous weapons master!
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